Variety TV show host Willie Revillame now faces a child abuse and exploitation case. Quezon City regional trial court had released an arrest order affirmed by the Court of Appeals after they found a cause for the arrest of Revillame.

The child abuse and exploitation case filed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development against the host stemmed in a controversial episode aired in 2011. In the celebrity’s game show, there used to be a segment where a contestant has to showcase a talent for P10,000 cash prize. It was in this segment where host allegedly encouraged a six year old boy to do a sexy dance like a male stripper in the national television and seemed to have cried as he did the act.

The scene stirred public condemnation while the Commission on Human Rights stated that the incident was a criminal act that seemed to have pleased the family and the studio audience together with the host.

Justice Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla had written in the decision that resolution recently passed in the case has long been delayed due to Revillame’s refusal to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the trial court. The decision that was issued last week testified that Judge Roberto Buenaventura had no abuse of discretion when he had issued a warrant of arrest against the host.
Since the court had decided that there is a probable cause for the arrest and arraignment, Revillame and his parties as well as the DSWD has to present evidence so the court may continue to weigh in the allegations. The case can now proceed to trial. Together with Judge Padilla, the ruling was also favored by division members Samuel Gaerlan, and Samuel Gaerlan.

According to the court’s ruling, Buenaventura had issued the warrant after the factual circumstances presented had led the court to believe that there is indeed a cause for the arrest of Revillame.

In the episode aired on March 12, 2011. Revillame was then hosting that show “Willing Willie” on TV5. The show’s staff has preselected the contestants. A six year old boy was one of the participants and was teased by the host to perform a sexy dance commonly done by macho dancers.
The host was said to have given the cash prize to the boy and once again teased him to dance. The was even made to dance in an elevated stage together with the show’s dancers. Revillame was also heard jokingly asking for beer. The court found that there seemed to be a violation of Republic Act No. 7610 otherwise known as Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.. The show released a public apology and had last aired on April 9.

According to the DSWD, the child had suffered from psychological abuse and emotional maltreatment from the host which was denied by Revillame who had filed a motion for reconsideration. His motion was denied by the court.